Cheers to 37 magical years at Artpark

Artpark & Co.'s "Black &
White Ball" was held on stage on Saturday, May 21, and celebrated the venue's
37th anniversary.

More than 200 Artpark patrons
enjoyed the music of the Jamie Holka Trio during cocktail hour while bidding on
luxurious silent auction items. George Osborne, president of Artpark, and
Sophia Smith, the "Black & White Ball" chairwoman, called the guests to
dinner. Everyone was dazzled when the curtains were opened to unveil a
glamorous stage dressed in black and white lanterns, with lily and hydrangea
towers on each table.

Mary Alice Demler of WGRZ Channel 2
was the emcee for the event, while Ambassador Anthony H. Gioia was honorary
chairman. Christopher Brown, chairman of the Artpark & Co. board of
directors, welcomed the Artpark supporters to the event, and thanked them for
their involvement. Gioia regaled the crowd with stories of being the ambassador
to Malta during the Sept. 11th attacks, and his work with the U.N.

Smith thanked her committee, and all
those who contributed to making the evening a dazzling success. Rose Gellman,
who has been on the board of directors since Artpark opened in 1974 (and
involved in nearly every fundraiser there since), was the last speaker.

The evening was a success - even the
weather cooperated, which hasn't been an easy feat as of late. Artpark
looks forward to many more anniversary celebrations to come in the future.

Chair thanks gala workers,
supporters

Artpark
celebrated its 37th anniversary last Saturday, May 21, with a black-tie ball on
stage, aptly titled the "Black & White Ball." I would like to thank so many
tireless volunteers and local businesses for their help and effort.

My
amazing "Black & White Ball" committee has been working diligently for many
months on the silent auction, decorations, flowers, music and menu. I would
like to thank Rose Gellman, my co-chair, and a WNY fundraising legend; Laurie
Lisowski Frey, who oversaw the silent auction; Kirsten Lawley, co-chair; Erin
Harris, who designed the invitation and program; Fay Northrop, who assisted
with the silent auction; and Bob Bloom and Jane Mogavero.

Mary
Alice Demler was our emcee, and did a perfect job; the evening was truly made
more special by her presence. Susan Geissler (the Freedom Crossing monument
artist) donated her life-size sculptures to our display, which dazzled every
guest. A-1 Landcare of Lewiston provided all the gorgeous flowers and trees
that greeted Artpark patrons upon their arrival.

Wow. We
are so thankful for your contributions, which made our fundraising a success!

I am so
grateful for everyone's assistance and enthusiasm, which made the "Black &
White Ball" an enormous achievement for Artpark, and all of its patrons in
Lewiston and beyond. We look forward to many more anniversary celebrations in
the future!